The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has expressed discontents over concerns of touts and extortionists at the Nigerian airports. Keyamo, who acknowledged that the prevalence activities of the touts were giving the nation a negative image, assured that the Federal Government is taking steps to resolve the concerns. The Minister however noted that most of the agencies involved are not directly under his ministry. He however said Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) who is equally concerned about the issue is coordinating efforts to tackle it.
“Just to set the records straight, most of the agencies involved in this menace are not under the control of the aviation ministry, though they are stationed at our airports.”
“However, I have been working closely with other Ministers, arms of government and agencies who are responsible for these agencies and a solution is in sight.”
Keyamo affirmed he had received several complaints about the menace of begging and extortion at the nation’s International airports by a few unscrupulous persons that gave the country bad image.